Quick links
- Please sign up for our town centre works e-newsletter, which will be sent regularly when works get underway.
- Read the construction plan.
- View a map of the changes: Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan November 2024 (PDF).
- Visit the Farnham town centre frequently asked questions page.
Works updates
The Borough (Castle Street to West Street)
The Farnham town centre improvement works will start in mid-February with changes to allow a right turn at the bottom of Castle Street and two-way traffic on The Borough between Castle Street and West Street. The traffic islands at the top of Downing Street will also be removed, and replaced temporary crossing points.
The works will last two weeks, and are important to keep the town moving during the works.
Drivers
There will be temporary traffic lights which will remain in place until permanent lights are installed later in the project. As delays are expected, drivers are advised to check traffic information before setting off to find the best route, and leave extra time for their journeys.
A diversion route will be in place for the overnight road closures (from 8pm to 6am).
Walkers and cyclists
Pedestrians will be able to use the pavements during the overnight road closures. Cyclists are asked to walk their bikes on the pavements while the road is closed.
Buses
Early and late buses will be marshalled through the overnight road closures, so services will continue as usual.
Downing Street between Longbridge and Lower Church Lane
Works will move to the bottom section of Downing Street between Longbridge and Lower Church Lane, once works on The Borough are completed.
Downing Street will remain open throughout this phase of works which is expected to last until May. However, there will be lane closures and lane narrowing in place full time, but no additional temporary traffic lights. Pavements will be open for pedestrians, and no buses will be diverted.
Once the following phase of works are completed, at the junction of Longbridge, Union Road and Victoria Road, the bottom section of Downing Street will be two way, allowing cars to access and exit Waggon Yard car park without needing to travel around the gyratory.
Riverside Walk improvements
Improvement works on Riverside Walk between Brightwells Yard and the Riverside car parks have started. Electrical works began in early January, and the compound set up and main construction works on the footpath will start from Monday 27 January and last for about 11 weeks.
The footpath is due to be closed from early February for the duration of the works – people who usually use the path should use the recommended walking route by exiting the carpark onto Mike Hawthorn Drive, turn left onto Dogflud Way, turn left onto East Street and then left onto South Street to continue your journey.
The footpath will be closed for the duration of the works – people who usually use the path should use the recommended walking route by exiting the carpark onto Mike Hawthorn Drive, turn left onto Dogflud Way, turn left onto East Street and then left onto South Street to continue your journey.
These improvements will widen and resurface the existing footpath and add landscaping and new lighting. The result will be a shared use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, featuring a hard surface for enhanced accessibility. The upgraded pathway will also help residents to Park and Stride from the Riverside car parks to the town centre.
Works on the section of pathway between Brightwells Yard and South Street will take place at a later date.
Construction plan
A preliminary phasing plan has been developed by the project delivery team – including our contractor, Ringway. This plan will be continuously reviewed and is subject to change throughout the construction works. This will ensure it remains fit for purpose throughout the delivery of the improvements and minimises disruption to Farnham town centre.
As the project progresses, more information will be uploaded for each phase. Detailed information will be sent to residents and businesses directly impacted by the works in advance of each phase. Read the construction plan.
What's planned?
There will be roadworks in the town centre from February 2025 for approximately two years.
- Wider pavements, wherever possible, will give more space for shoppers.
- High quality public spaces, that includes greening, new paving and seating, so people can choose to stop and enjoy the town for longer.
- Dedicated loading bays to support local retailers.
- Pedestrian controlled crossings and raised tables will make it safer to cross roads.
- Changes to the gyratory system will keep the town moving, with two-way traffic at the bottom of Downing Street and on The Borough west of Castle Street.
- Two new bus shelters with real-time passenger information, lighting and extended level boarding areas will provide seating and protection against the weather for passengers.
- Advanced stop lines and additional parking for people who cycle.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) to make the town centre more resilient to heavy rain.
View a map of the changes: Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan November 2024 (PDF).
If you have any questions, please send us an email.
Travelling around Farnham during the works
- There will be changes to bus services during the works. Information will be posted on the Temporary changes to bus services for road closures page.
- There are also improvements to walking and cycling in Farnham and the town centre – see updates on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme walking and cycling page. This includes an upgrade to Borelli Walk, which is due to begin in late 2024. You can also visit the Surrey County Council cycling and walking advice page.
Background
The town centre is the historic heart of Farnham. It has a dynamic economy with high quality retail, food and drink venues, and a unique heritage with the castle, conservation area, deer park and craft town status.
However, its road layout is outdated and congested. The dominance of roads and vehicles negatively impacts the ability to travel easily, safely, and enjoyably around the town centre on foot and by bus or cycle, resulting in a less pleasant environment and a diminished sense of place.
The works in Farnham aim to:
- improve the quality of public areas
- reduce the dominance of motorised traffic, which contributes to poor air quality, noise pollution and congestion, by major changes to the town centre layout
There was a public consultation on two proposals to update the town centre road layout in summer 2022. This was discussed at the Farnham Board in December 2022 Farnham Board - visit the meeting page.
Updated options for the town centre were presented to the Farnham Board in March 2023. You can watch previous meetings on the Farnham Town Council YouTube page. There was also a consultation in late 2023 under the Waverley parking review.
Files available to download
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Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan November 2024 (PDF)
Map of Farnham town centre which shows where proposed changes will be made, which are part of a traffic regulation order consultation.
